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Primary orthostatic tremor (POT) is a rare movement disorder of unknown pathophysiology, characterized by fast tremor affecting a specific part of the body. The present paper reports a case of POT in mandible, discussing the approach and management. A 37-year-old male patient complained of involuntary mandibular movements, with onset 6 years ago, with no history of precipitating event. Usually, tremors were not present during patient's mastication or phonation. The oscillations presented rhythmically and symmetrically, with high frequency and low range of motion. Surface electromyography revealed an electromyographic discharge pattern bilaterally in the masseters, presenting a mean frequency of 13 Hz, and a predominance of postural type. Based on the history and clinical characteristics and electromyography, a diagnosis of POT was made. Several treatments have been employed over the years. Currently, the patient is being treated with buspirone hydrochloride 10 mg/day with a significant reduction of tremors. It can be concluded that knowledge of the characteristics of this condition is essential for the elaboration of a correct diagnosis and the better management of POT patients.

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Orofacial pain is the pain felt in the oral cavity and the face, with a multifactorial etiology, being a representative of the temporomandibular dysfunction. Among the various possibilities for treatment are acupuncture and the dry needling. The objective of this study was to compare the effectiveness of these two therapies in the cases of myogenic temporomandibular dysfunction. CONTENTS: A review of articles relating to the topic was conducted on the LILACS, Medline, Scielo and Pubmed database, cross-referencing the following descriptors: “acupuncture” OR “electroacupuncture” OR “dry needling” AND “orofacial pain syndrome” OR “orofacial pain” OR “temporomandibular dysfunction” OR “temporomandibular disorders”, myofascial temporomandibular dysfunction or trigger points in last the 16 years. Clinical trials, systematic reviews, metanalysis, case studies involving human beings were included. The selected languages were English and Portuguese. Twenty-one articles were found that were carefully evaluated and tabulated. The present study identified that both acupuncture and dry needling were significantly important in the resolution of the signs and symptoms of the myogenous temporomandibular dysfunction, with adequate effectiveness. CONCLUSION: It can be pointed out that dry needling seems to be more effective in the resolution of local pain on the myofascial trigger points than just using of acupuncture points at a distance. Acupuncture demonstrated positive influences in the general health quality and pain of patients with myofascial temporomandibular dysfunction. Therefore, the therapy of choice will depend on the professional’s assessment of the clinical conditions of the patient and the therapeutic goals to be achieved.

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Dry needling is an interventionist, minimally invasive technique, used in the treatment of myofascial pain. The objective of this study was to describe the use of dry needling and to perform a critical literature analysis about the technical aspects of its use by qualified health care professionals. CONTENTS: A search in the literature was carried out for books in English, review articles, randomized controlled or quasi-randomized clinical trials, blind or double-blind and published case studies series in Portuguese or in English. The following databases were used: Cochrane, LILACS, and Pubmed. Articles published from September 1996 to January 2017 were selected according to the following keywords: dry needling versus myofascial pain syndrome versus temporomandibular joint dysfunction syndrome) versus trigger points versus musculoskeletal manipulations versus trapezius muscle, superficial back muscles versus masseter muscle versus secular muscle versus pterygoid muscles versus digastric muscle, neck muscles. Reports of clinical cases, “open-label” studies, studies with animal models and articles not related to DN were excluded. After the matching descriptors and the implementation of inclusion and exclusion criteria, we selected six articles. CONCLUSION: The diagnosis of myofascial pain can be a difficult task since it can simulate different masticatory system pain, from a toothache to a trigeminal neuropathic pain. This can be minimized with proper history taking, clinical examination involving muscle palpation, as well as the own experience and professional training. The deactivation of myofascial trigger points should be a priority in myofascial pain therapy since there is a significant improvement of local and referred pain when we use this approach. Despite the favorable results of studies about the use of dry needling in myofascial pain treatment related to temporomandibular joint dysfunction and the cervical region, the literature still lacks studies with a high level of evidence proving the effectiveness and efficacy of this technique. This is a minimally invasive, low cost, and safe therapy that provides local, segmental, extra segmental and placebo effects. Therefore, its use should be recommended by different health professionals in cases of myofascial pain.

Abstract Disc displacement with reduction (DDWR) is one of the most common intra-articular disorders of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Factors related to the etiology, progression and treatment of such condition is still a subject of discussion. This literature review aimed to address etiology, development, related factors, diagnosis, natural course, and treatment of DDWR. A non-systematic search was conducted within PubMed, Scopus, SciELO, Medline, LILACS and Science Direct using the Medical Subjective Headings (MeSH) terms “temporomandibular disorders”, “temporomandibular joint”, “disc displacement” and “disc displacement with reduction”. No time restriction was applied. Literature reviews, systematic reviews, meta-analysis and clinical trials were included. DDWR is usually asymptomatic and requires no treatment, since the TMJ structures adapt very well and painlessly to different disc positions. Yet, long-term studies have shown the favorable progression of this condition, with no pain and/or jaw locking occurring in most of the patients.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the use of the arthrocentesis in patients with disc displacement without reduction (DDWOR). Two hundred and thirty-four (234) patients with DDWOR were evaluated and the following data collected: gender; affected side; age (years); duration of the pain (months); patient's perception of pain (measured by Visual Analogue Scale [VAS 0-10]); maximal interincisal distance (MID) (mm); and joint disc position, determined by magnetic resonance imaging. Data were obtained in two different moments: before the arthrocentesis (M1) and three or four months later (M2). Paired t-Student Test, Scores Test and Wilcoxon Test showed a statistical significant difference (p0.05). It can be concluded that the arthrocentesis is efficient in reducing the pain, in increasing interincisal distance, and altering the joint disc position in patients with DDWOR regardless gender, age side and pain duration.

Several treatments have been suggested to correct dentofacial abnormalities, including orthognathic surgery. The aim of the present systematic review was to assess the impact of orthognathic surgery on patient satisfaction, overall quality of life, quality of life related to oral health—and to orthognathic surgery in particular—among adult patients. Two investigators independently reviewed the available literature in the databases PubMed/MEDLINE, LILACS, SciELO, EMBASE, Trip, and Google Scholar (gray literature) based on the keywords “orthognathic surgery” and “quality of life.” An analysis of bias was performed based on the MINORS (methodological index for nonrandomized studies). A total of 245 relevant studies were retrieved from the databases, and 6 additional studies were located after a manual search of the references. Following selection based on titles, abstracts, and full-text analysis, 30 studies were included in the present systematic review. To evaluate quality of life before and after orthognathic surgery, 12 studies applied the surgery-related Orthognathic Quality of Life Questionnaire (OQLQ), 12 used the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14), and 4 used the Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). Orthognathic surgery results in improvements in quality of life both physically and psychosocially after surgery and is associated with high rates of patient satisfaction.

Aim: The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of internal derangements (ID) of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) in patients with cleft-lip/palate. Also, to evaluate the correlation of diagnosis between Research Diagnostic Criteria for temporomandibular disorders (RDC/TMD) clinical examination and Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Methods: Twenty patients with cleft-lip/palate, were clinically evaluated by RDC/TMD and by MRI. The ID of TMJ evaluate were disc displacement with reduction (DDWR) and disc displacement without reduction (DDWOR). Results: The present study showed that 9 (45%) of the patients were diagnosed with ID of TMJ (8 [40%] patients with DDWR and 1 [5%] with DDWOR) and 11 (55%) present no disorders, by RDC/TMD. MRI examination revealed that 15 (75%) of the patients had ID of TMJ (13 [65%] patients with DDWR and 2 [10%] with DDWOR) and 5 (25%) present no disorders. The Kappa index between the clinical and imaging diagnosis was 0.01. Conclusion: In the present study, DDWR was diagnosed in 40-65% by the RDC/TMD and MRI, respectively; DDWOR was diagnosed in 5-10% by the RDC/TMD and MRI, respectively. The diagnostic correlation between the clinical examination based on RDC and on MRI was weak.

Effect of Temporomandibular Disorders on Quality of Life in Elderly Individuals

Abstract Objective The objective of this retrospective study was to evaluate the impact of myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) in patients with articular disc displacement with reduction (DDWR) and to identify which clinical variables are associated with the concomitant presence of DDWR and MTrPs. Material and Methods 130 patients were selected that sought treatment due to joint pain, with ages ≥18 years, of both genders, with DDWR confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging. The sample was divided into two groups: Group 1, patients with DDWR and MTrPs (N=101); and Group 2, patients with DDWR and no MTrPs (N=29). Information on gender, age, pain duration, pain scores, and maximal interincisal distance (MID) were collected. The logistic regression model was used and the odds ratios (OR) was calculated (p

Viscosupplementation is a minimally invasive technique that replaces synovial fluid by intra-articular injection of hyaluronic acid (HA). Although effective in some joints, there is not conclusive evidence regarding temporomandibular disorders. This case series described the efficacy of a viscosupplementation protocol in intra-articular temporomandibular disorders. Ten patients with a diagnosis of disc displacement and/or osteoarthritis by Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD) were submitted to four monthly injections of low or medium molecular weight HA. Pain, mandibular function, image analysis by tomography and magnetic resonance, and quality of life were assessed at baseline and follow-ups (1 and 6 months). Pain, jaw range-of-motion, mandibular function, and quality of life improved at follow-up evaluations. Osteoarthritis changes decreased, and 20% of patients improved mandibular head excursion after treatment. Resolution of effusion and improvement in disc morphology were observed for most patients. This viscosupplementation protocol reduced pain and symptoms associated with internal derangement of temporomandibular joint, improved quality of life, and showed benefits from both low and medium molecular weight HA in alternate cycles.

Background and Objectives. Chronic pain affects between 30% and 50% of the world population. Our objective was to estimate the prevalence of chronic pain in Brazil, describe and compare differences between pain types and characteristics, and identify the types of therapies adopted and the impact of pain on daily life. Methods. Cross-sectional study of a population-based survey with randomized sample from a private database. The interviews were conducted by phone. 78% of the respondents aged 18 years or more agreed to be interviewed, for a total of 723 respondents distributed throughout the country. Independent variables were demographic data, pain and treatment characteristics, and impact of pain on daily life. Comparative and associative statistical analyses were conducted to select variables for nonhierarchical logistic regression. Results. Chronic pain prevalence was 39% and mean age was 41 years with predominance of females (56%). We found higher prevalence of chronic pain in the Southern and Southeastern regions. Pain treatment was not specific to gender. Dissatisfaction with chronic pain management was reported by 49% of participants. Conclusion. 39% of interviewed participants reported chronic pain, with prevalence of females. Gender-associated differences were found in intensity perception and interference of pain on daily life activities.

The objective of this study was to compare single-needle arthrocentesis with distension of the upper compartment of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) with the conventional two-needle arthrocentesis. Twenty-six patients with articular disc displacement without reduction (DDWOR) were included in the study and assigned to two groups (n=13): single-needle arthrocentesis with distension of the upper compartment of the TMJ (1N) and conventional two-needle arthrocentesis (2N). The maximum interincisal distance (MID) and TMJ pain as measured by the visual analog scale (VAS) were compared. MID and VAS data were obtained: before (T1), seven days after (T2), fifteen days after (T3), one month after (T4), three months after (T5), six months after (T6), nine months after (T7), and one year after the arthrocentesis procedures (T8). Considering each group individually, results of the VAS scores and MID measurements showed a significant difference between T1 and T2–T8 (p0.05). Both techniques tested were effective in reducing pain and increasing MID. Due to the advantages over the conventional two-needle arthrocentesis, single-needle arthrocentesis with distension of the upper compartment should be considered as the first treatment option for patients with painful hypomobilized TMJ of DDWOR.

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a term employed to define a group of non-progressive neuromotor disorders caused by damage to the immature or developing brain, with consequent limitations regarding movement and posture. CP may impair orapharygeal muscle tone, leading to a compromised chewing function and to sleep disorders (such as obstructive sleep apnea). Thirteen adults with CP underwent bilateral masseter and temporalis neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) therapy. The effects on the masticatory muscles and sleep variables were evaluated using electromyography (EMG) and polysomnography (PSG), respectively, prior and after 2 months of NMES. EMG consisted of 3 tests in different positions: rest, mouth opening and maximum clenching effort (MCE). EMG values in the rest position were 100% higher than values recorded prior to therapy for all muscles analyzed (p < 0.05); mean mouth opening increased from 38.0 ± 8.0 to 44.0 ± 10.0 cm (p = 0.03). A significant difference in MCE was found only for the right masseter. PSG revealed an improved in the AHI from 7.2±7.0/h to 2.3±1.5/h (p < 0.05); total sleep time improved from 185 min to 250 min (p = 0.04) and minimun SaO2 improved from 83.6 ± 3.0 to 86.4 ± 4.0 (p = 0.04). NMES performed over a two-month period led to improvements in the electrical activity of the masticatory muscles at rest, mouth opening, isometric contraction and sleep variables, including the elimination of obstructive sleep apnea events in patients with CP. Trial registration: ReBEC RBR994XFS http://www.ensaiosclinicos.gov.br.

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: Realizar uma revisão a cerca das diferentes técnicas de artrocentese empregadas nas disfunções artrogênicas da articulação temporomandibular (ATM), bem como das suas indicações, seu possível mecanismo de ação e complicações. CONTEÚDO: Pesquisas têm sido realizadas, nesses últimos anos, na tentativa de padronizar diferentes protocolos de artrocentese empregadas nas disfunções temporomandibulares (DTM), no intuito de definir quando e como empregá-las. Essas técnicas são pouco invasivas, de baixo custo, podendo ser realizadas sob anestesia local, com ou sem sedação, replicáveis e de baixa morbidade. São indicadas para aliviar ou eliminar o quadro de dor e disfunção artrogênica presente. CONCLUSÃO: Várias técnicas de artrocentese combinadas ou não com anti-inflamatórios, opioides, substâncias viscoelásticas, produzem resultados adequados nas DTM artrogênicas, porém o sucesso terapêutico depende da cronicidade da doença, de suas características clínicas e de imagem, do diagnóstico correto, da colaboração do paciente, da experiência do profissional e da técnica empregada.

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Mandibular condylar hyperplasia is a disease where excessive growth of mandibular condyle, ramus and body elicits facial asymmetry. Its therapeutic management is not a consensus and, due to its complexity, is a challenge for maxillofacial surgeons and orthodontists. This study aimed at discussing clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of the management of this disease, and at explaining the role of condylectomy. CASE REPORT: Female patient, 19 years old, Caucasian, looked for maxillofacial surgeon assistance due to facial asymmetry and pain on right temporomandibular joint. Patient had no medical, gestational or family history of facial deformity, or history of previous joint trauma or infection. This was a case of hemimandibular elongation treated with condylectomy. CONCLUSION: Condylectomy is a safe and effective procedure, without functional joint sequelae, which prevents dentalfacial deformity progression, minimizing its psychosocial impact and helping future treatment.

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A disfunção temporomandibular (DTM) é um termo que descreve um grupo de doenças que afetam funcionalmente o aparelho mastigatório, particularmente a musculatura mastigatória e a articulação temporomandibular (ATM). Tem etiologias múltiplas e tratamentos específicos, entre os quais a estimulação elétrica nervosa transcutânea (TENS). O objetivo deste artigo é o de revisar a literatura científica sobre o uso da TENS em pacientes com DTM. CONTEÚDO: Estudos epidemiológicos mostram que aproximadamente 75% da população apresentam algum sinal de DTM, enquanto 33% possuem ao menos um sintoma. Sempre que possível deve-se tratar a causa da dor, caso não se consiga estabelecer a sua etiologia, inicia-se com procedimentos menos invasivos e reversíveis, especialmente nos casos de dor e disfunção muscular. A terapia com TENS consiste na administração de corrente elétrica na superfície cutânea, de modo a relaxar os músculos hiperativos e promover o alívio da dor. CONCLUSÃO: Embora existam controvérsias quanto ao uso de TENS para o controle da dor crônica, seu uso na dor muscular mastigatória continua relevante. Entretanto, é fundamental o diagnóstico preciso para evitar uso inadequado. São necessários ainda estudos randomizados controlados que incluam amostras selecionadas para homogeneizar o uso de TENS em pacientes com DTM.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: To study the etiopathogeny and diagnosis of anterior dislocation of head of mandible (ADHM), as well as its therapeutic indications: conservative and surgical treatment. CONTENTS: ADHM is characterized by its position anterior to the articular tubercle, configuring an anatomic and functional disharmony where the patient is unable to close the mouth. It may be related to abnormal activity of mastication muscles during mouth opening, to the act of yawning and even to the act of guffawing. Treatment modalities vary from conservative to surgical techniques, depending fundamentally on the complexity and periodicity of the problem. The first options are conservative techniques for immediate reduction, temporary relief or stabilization of the joint; when they fail or the treatment is impossible, surgical techniques may be used. CONCLUSION: Although uncommon in epidemiological terms, ADHM is still a challenge for health professionals due to its complexity and, at the same time, because it is unforeseeable. The treatment of choice depends on professionals' experience and skills. To date, we lack longitudinal studies and randomized clinical trials to compare the therapeutic efficacy of each modality.

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION: Knowledge of the different imaging tests and their appropriate indications is crucial to establish the diagnosis of temporomandibular disorders, especially in patients with overlapping signs and symptoms. OBJECTIVE: To present and assess the main diagnostic imaging tests for temporomandibular disorders and rationally discuss their indication criteria, advantages, and disadvantages. METHODS: Literature review in the Web of Knowledge, PubMed and SciELO databases, as well as manual search for relevant publications in reference lists of the selected articles. RESULTS: Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging were considered the gold standard assessments for the temporomandibular joint to evaluate hard and soft tissues, respectively. Each diagnostic method exhibited distinct sensitivity and specificity for the different subtypes of joint dysfunction. CONCLUSION: Selecting an evaluation examination based on its accuracy, safety, and clinical relevance is a rational decision that can help lead to an accurate diagnosis and an optimum treatment plan.

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A disfunção temporomandibular compreende um termo coletivo que envolve alterações clínicas nos músculos da mastigação, das articulações temporomandibulares e/ou estruturas associadas.O objetivo deste estudo foi realizar uma análise crítica, utilizando as principais bases de dados, sobre a efetividade e a segurança do hialuronato de sódio no tratamento das disfunções temporomandibulares de origem articular, a fim de recomendar ou refutar seu uso na prática clínica. CONTEÚDO: Os estudos foram obtidos através das seguintes bases de dados: Medline, via PubMed (1966 - 2013), Registro de Ensaios Controlados Cochrane, (2012), Embase (1980 - 2013) e LILACS (1982 - 2013). A estratégia utilizada foi a busca ajustada para cada base, a fim de identificar o maior número possível de estudos envolvendo o uso do hialuronato de sódio no tratamento da disfunção temporomandibular de origem articular. Houve limitação do idioma, buscando artigos em língua inglesa. Cruzaram-se os seguintes descritores: tratamento da articulação temporomandibular versus hialuronato de sódio versus deslocamento agudo e crônico do disco com e sem redução versus ácido hialurônico versus osteoartrite e osteoartrose versus viscossuplementação. Como critérios de inclusão foram analisados estudos randomizados, uni ou duplamente encobertos, série de casos, com 15 ou mais participantes. Excluíram-se relato de caso, estudos abertos "open-label", estudos em modelos animais e artigos relacionados a tratamento da disfunção artrogênica que não possuíssem como uma das terapias a infiltração de hialuronato de sódio na articulação temporomandibular. A qualidade metodológica desses estudos foi avaliada e classificada conforme o nível de evidência do Oxford Centre for Evidence Based Medicine. CONCLUSÃO: De acordo com a análise crítica dos estudos incluídos, pode-se afirmar que o uso do hialuronato de sódio é eficaz e seguro, sendo recomendado no tratamento das seguintes condições: deslocamento agudo e crônico do disco com redução e sem redução, osteoartrose, osteoartrite e doença articular degenerativa.

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Gunshot wounds may have fatal results. Even when not causing major injuries to soft and hard tissues, there may be other severe problems. This study aimed at reporting the case of a projectile located in the left infratemporal fossa and at discussing treatment, risks and complications. CASE REPORT: Male patient, 18 years old, suffered a gunshot wound which has penetrated the face by the left zygomatic region, and was lodged in the homolateral infratemporal fossa. This has caused jaw function impairment and pain. Foreign body was surgically removed by preauricular access and patient was then submitted to physiotherapy. After treatment, temporomandibular joint function was reestablished and esthetic results were considered excellent without sequelae. CONCLUSION: Management of patients hit by projectiles is more complex when these are located in an area of difficult access and close to noble structures. Radiographic techniques obtained by means of different planes allow the accurate location of the object. There may be major deformity and functional incapacity, especially if the facial nerve is affected during bullet trauma or during surgery. Although there were no nervous injuries, functional impairment of orofacial structures was decisive to indicate the surgical procedure. Surgical removal of the projectile from the infratemporal fossa, combined with postoperative physiotherapy, has shown to be an effective treatment.

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: Realizar uma revisão sobre a neuralgia induzida por cavitação osteonecrótica (NICO) seu diagnóstico diferencial em relação às principais dores bucofaciais, bem como o seu tratamento. CONTEÚDO: A neuralgia pela NICO é uma doença que tem inúmeras causas, como trauma, infecções, o emprego de anestésicos locais com vasoconstritores que diminuem o fluxo sanguíneo no interior do osso, a aplicação direta e/ou indireta de metais pesados, de corticosteroides, pós-cirurgias bucais, o uso de nicotina e problemas de coagulação. O diagnóstico baseia-se na história clínica associada à qualidade da dor, duração, resposta terapêutica normalmente ineficaz ao uso de diferentes neuromoduladores. Emprega-se, como exames complementares, radiografia periapical padrão da área a ser investigada, radiografia panorâmica, tomografia computadorizada que podem demonstrar, ou não, focos radiolúcidos uniloculares. O exame cintilográfico apresenta normalmente área de hipercaptação. O tratamento pode ser clínico conservador utilizando anticoagulantes, esteroides anabolizantes, injeções de antibióticos no local, ou cirúrgico, promovendo o sangramento local por osteotomia ou ostectomia, dependendo do grau e extensão da NICO. CONCLUSÃO: A pesquisa de novos medicamentos, menos prejudiciais aos tecidos ósseos, e maior informação aos cirurgiões-dentista sobre a NICO podem ajudar a diminuir sua incidência, estabelecendo o diagnóstico mais precocemente e consequentemente tornando mais eficaz as diferentes formas de tratamento.

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: Realizar uma revisão a cerca das diferentes técnicas cirúrgicas empregadas nas disfunções da articulação temporomandibular (ATM), bem como das suas indicações. CONTEÚDO: Estudos, ao longo desses últimos anos, têm tentado padronizar as diferentes técnicas cirúrgicas empregadas nas disfunções temporomandibulares (DTM), no intuito de definir quando e como empregá-las. Optam-se, primeiramente, por técnicas pouco invasivas como manipulação mandibular assistida com aumento de pressão hidrostática, artrocentese a procedimentos mais complexos como artroscopia e cirurgia aberta da ATM na tentativa de aliviar ou eliminar o quadro de dor e disfunção presentes. CONCLUSÃO: A escolha quanto ao tratamento das DTM recai muito mais sobre a experiência e manuseio do profissional, do que estudos cientificamente controlados O sucesso terapêutico aplicado à ATM depende, fundamentalmente, de um plano global de tratamento que envolve tanto terapêuticas conservadoras, clínicas, como cirúrgicas propriamente ditas. A cirurgia realizada de forma isolada dificilmente proporcionará um sucesso terapêutico. Cada procedimento deveria ter a sua indicação, baseada em critérios bem definidos. No entanto, faltam, até o presente momento, estudos longitudinais e ensaios clínicos aleatórios que possam comparar a efetividade terapêutica de cada modalidade cirúrgica.

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Temporomandibular disorders are diseases causing pain and dysfunction in joints and muscles controlling mandibular movements. Their etiology is multifactorial and multidisciplinary approaches are needed to reach a differential diagnosis and an adequate management plan. This case report proposes a management protocol, with monthly sodium hyaluronate infiltrations, with different molecular weights, to control such changes and promote improvement of temporomandibular joint biomechanics and pain. CASE REPORT: This study describes a case of a 48-year old patient with a 10-year history of temporomandibular pain with function loss since 2001. Patient has classified her pain as 9 according to analog visual scale. In addition, history and detailed physical evaluation have shown different signs and symptoms, such as localized pain (right side), and right temporomandibular joint arthralgia with noise. Diagnosis was disc displacement with reduction and possible synovitis/ capsulitis to the right. Right temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis was also diagnosed by cone beam CT-scan. Initially, a flat upper splint with total coverage and contact with all antagonist teeth was used. In the attempt to decrease temporomandibular arthralgia, non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs and muscle relaxants were used. Since right temporomandibular joint pain was not effectively managed, we decided to use intra-joint sodium hyaluronate injections with different molecular weights, per month, in a total of four applications. At treatment completion, clinical evaluation has shown normal function, no pain with visual analog scale = zero, in addition to adequate interincisal distance. CONCLUSION: This report has suggested that viscosupplementation cycles with sodium hyaluronate of different molecular weights may provide excellent results in the long run, to control joint temporomandibular disorder symptoms. Therapeutic benefits were maintained for four years with no need for annual maintenance cycles.

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: To carry out a literature review on major orofacial neuropathic pains, their differential diagnosis and therapies. CONTENTS: Neuropathic pains may be classified as episodic or continuous. They may be unilateral and more infrequently bilateral. They may last for seconds, hours or days and may present as electrical shock or burning pain, favorably responding to pharmacological treatment. There are situations in which the first therapeutic choice is dental surgery and/or neurosurgery, especially in cases of malignancies. Without accurate diagnosis there is major possibility of poor results. Diagnosis is based on clinical history associated to pain quality, duration and clinical, surgical or combined therapeutic response. Additional exams may be needed in some cases, such as standard periapical radiography of the area to be investigated, panoramic X-rays, computerized tomography and magnetic resonance of the skull base for possible diagnostic confirmation. Treatment may be conservative using anticonvulsants associated or not to antidepressants, local anesthetic infiltration with or without steroid, and orofacial and neurosurgical procedures. CONCLUSION: Health professionals acting in the area of orofacial pain have to be able to establish the differential diagnosis of different neuropathic orofacial pains, since they may have similar clinical presentations involving a same facial territory in a same temporal space, responding differently to the same therapies. Understanding all of this makes available basically two favorable outcomes: improved quality of life or cure of existing neuropathic pain.

OBJECTIVES: Arthrocentesis is the simplest surgical intervention for the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). It can be performed on an outpatient basis at a low cost and with low morbidity. The objective is to release the articular disc by disrupting the adhesion formed between its surfaces and the mandibular fossa through hydraulic pressure generated by irrigation of the upper compartment of the TMJ. Viscosupplementation with hyaluronic acid during or after arthrocentesis improves clinical outcomes, increases mouth opening, and reduces pain levels. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of arthrocentesis plus hyaluronic acid viscosupplementation through clinical examination and preoperative magnetic resonance imaging in patients with unilateral disc displacement without reduction (DDwoR). METHODS: This analytical retrospective cross-sectional study clinically and radiologically evaluated 72 patients of both sexes with unilateral DDwoR. The following data were collected: sex, pain, age, duration of pain, maximum mouth opening, and patient pain perception on a visual analog scale. TMJ arthrocentesis was performed only once for each of the indicated joints. Data were collected before arthrocentesis (baseline) and at 7, 14, 30, 60, 90, and 180 days after the procedure (final evaluation). RESULTS: Between the baseline and final evaluation, there was a significant reduction in pain (p=0.001) and restoration of articular function. In addition, there was a significant increase in maximum mouth opening (p=0.001). CONCLUSION: Patients with DDwoR undergoing arthrocentesis combined with hyaluronic acid injection showed significant improvement in the perceived pain and maximum mouth opening in the mid-term follow-up periods.